Independent laboratory studies (Clemson University) assessed the dynamics of TCE dechlorination and methane generation as induced by multiple organic hydrogen donors (OHDs) at high concentration in the presence and absence of various AMRs. Changes in the amount of monitored constituents in headspace gasses collected from duplicate microcosms during a 19-week incubation period validated the concept of using AMR technology to complement enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) and in situ chemical reduction (ISCR) remedial processes by controlling excessive methanogenesis.

Data obtained using emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) as the OHD/fermentable carbon substrate are summarized below. Data obtained with other OHDs will be presented in separate Technical Notes (forthcoming). In general, data for AMR responses using other OHDs are either inconclusive or representative of the results reported herein.

Using EVO as the OHD under test conditions that favored methanogens (i.e., 8,000 ppm of fermentable carbon and low pH ranging from 5 to 6) it was found that:

Essential plant oil (i.e., natural garlic oil, GO) and synthetic garlic oil (SGO) at 250 mg/L both reduced the amount of methane generated by >97%, without having a negative effect on the rate or extent of TCE removal.

BES at 10 mg/L served as an effective “positive control” which reduced methanogenesis >58%.

Microcosm test systems were not optimized for the AMR processes (for example, at ca. 8,000 ppm TOC they likely contained too much fermentable carbon for the statins present in the red yeast rice (RYR) extract added at 250 mg/L to effectively control Archaea). Future R&D will focus on AMR dosage optimization and efficacy.

The current regime for AMR application employing both RYR and GO/SGO targeting 100 to 250 mg/L of each in the groundwater typically allows for ample RYR/statin dosing, multiple AMR modes of action, and extended longevity (>19 weeks) for controlled methanogenesis.

These data are part of an ongoing research project at Clemson University that has proceeded with support from multiple parties including Provectus, PeroxyChem, and others. Data were shared with permission of the Finneran Research Group. However, technical review and approval of this document do not indicate an endorsement for or against any of the materials, products, or methods reported by either the Clemson University Finneran Research Group, or Finneran Environmental, LLC. Please contact Dr. Finneran via email (ktf@clemson.edu) with any questions or comments regarding the information presented in this Summary Report.

Imagine millions of microscopic ruminants rapidly consuming your remedial amendment and converting it into methane instead of having it used to treat your soil or groundwater...